The Shadow of the Wind ("La sombra del viento") is a 2001 novel by Spanish writer Carlos Ruiz Zafón. For all who know the book the title of my image may appear arrogant. Please just take it as my humble laud for the book. It is the most fascinating book that I am reading since years.

Wikipedia writes: "The novel, set in post- Spanish Civil War Barcelona, concerns a young boy, Daniel. One day just after the war, Daniel's father takes him to the secret Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a huge library of old, forgotten titles lovingly preserved by a select few initiates. According to tradition, everyone initiated to this secret place is allowed to take one book from it, and must protect it for life. Daniel selects a book called The Shadow of the Wind by Julian Carax. That night he takes the book home and reads it, completely engrossed. ..." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shadow_of_the_Wind